A milestone in our history as a regenerative tourism organization.
Today we celebrate an achievement that fills us with pride and reaffirms our purpose: We are officially a member of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).. This recognition represents more than an institutional title: it is an invitation to collaborate, learn and strengthen our impact in favor of nature and local communities.
As an organization that since its inception has sought to create alliances for the regeneration of natural areas and the well-being of its local communities, this integration into the IUCN reinforces our vocation to contribute to the global movement for conservation and sustainable development.
What is IUCN and why is this membership relevant?
IUCN is an international organization that brings together governments, agencies and civil society organizations to define global biodiversity conservation strategies and promote nature-based solutions.
Membership implies having a voice and vote in the definition of policies, participating in networks and technical commissions, sharing strategic experiences, and accessing international collaborations. For an organization like ours, which operates at the intersection between tourism, nature and communities, this linkage opens new doors for alliances, mutual learning and visibility.
Appreciation for this recognition
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to IUCN and the Mexican Committee for this honor. We are inspired by the trust placed in us to contribute from Mexico to the collective effort to restore ecosystems, strengthen local livelihoods and promote regenerative tourism practices.
To our allies, collaborators, local communities, guides, donors and internal team: this recognition is also yours. Each project, each co-creation effort, each step has contributed to bring La Mano del Mono to this new institutional level today.
What this membership opens up: opportunities and commitments
Our membership in IUCN commits us to raising our standards, sharing learning and being an active part of global conservation strategies. Some of the opportunities we envision:
- Participate in IUCN commissions and working groups, contributing the Latin American perspective on regenerative tourism.
- Generate collaborations with other member organizations (international and regional).
- Raise the institutional credibility of our projects in the eyes of funders, governments and communities.
- Access to forums, agreements and global networks to scale up restoration, sustainable tourism and community strengthening initiatives.
- Transparency and accountability with more rigorous standards, aligned with best conservation practices.
Of course, with this step, our responsibilities also grow: we will continue to evaluate our impacts, prioritizing social justice, biodiversity and inclusive governance in every project, and putting the well-being of communities and ecosystems before symbolic achievements.
Invitation to continue walking together
At La Mano del Mono we reaffirm that our strength lies in the hands of communities, allies and collaborative networks. This membership does not mark the end of a journey, but the beginning of a new stage of dialogue, learning and collective action.
Now, as a member of IUCN, we amplify our voice on global stages, without losing our local roots. Thank you for believing in this shared dream of nature, community and transformation.
We join #ManosLocales, We create #ImpactGlobales.
